How anxiety can lead to depression: the case of Ronald Araujo

Many times we forget the importance that athletes give to mental health. However, this is a key piece in the performance of any athlete but also of any individual in their daily life. Recently, the case of Ronald Araujo, a Barcelona footballer, who chose to stop to recover psychologically. After his return to action, he gave an interview to Mundo Deportivo in which he commented that he suffered from anxiety and went on to become depression. But how common is it to go from one mental health problem to another? The reality is that it is quite easy to suffer from both simultaneously or consecutively

How does this transition take place?

The transition from anxiety to depression often occurs when the chronic physical and emotional agitation, derived from constant worry and stress, leads the individual to a sense of hopelessness, helplessness and loss of interest, also known as anhedonia

This evolution, far from being strange, is common, since both mental problems feed off each other. Constant anxiety depletes energy and depression increases worry. In addition, sustained anxiety causes the organism to remain constantly on alert, favoring chronic exhaustion or burnout syndrome.

The individual begins to feel out of nowhere a constant feeling of hopelessness that leads them to think that the situation will not improve, falling into a loop of negativity. This is why the desire to isolate oneself and avoid contact with others and with activities that they used to enjoy arises. This is why depression and anxiety often coexist, as mentioned by Top Doctors.

Measures to prevent this step

Normally, the ideal thing to do is to seek professional help at the moment we start to feel that this is happening to us. In fact, it is important, mainly, so that it does not become chronic.

The change lies in behavioral activation, which consists of performing small daily actions, even when you do not have the desire and motivation to do so. It is also key to practice self-care by seeking better sleep, eating well and exercising, being active in our daily lives, as noted by the Vall d'Hebron Hospital.

If the characteristics mentioned above correspond to the way a loved one acts or feels, it is advisable to encourage them to seek help or contact a professional so that their situation improves and they do not fall into a constant and destructive negative loop for their physical and mental health